Winter Weed Program Targets African Boxthorn

The Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board is currently targeting key areas through its winter weed control program, with roadside spraying and targeted on-ground operations by the Murraylands district team.

African boxthorn is a thorny, perennial shrub that forms dense, impenetrable thickets, threatening both native vegetation and agricultural land. Its ability to spread quickly across different landscapes makes it a priority pest plant in the Murraylands region.

Murraylands Team Leader Casey Henderson said winter is an ideal time to act.

“We’ve had conditions that have really encouraged boxthorn growth this season, and we’re asking landholders to be part of the solution,” Casey said.

“Not only does African boxthorn outcompete native species and take over paddocks, but it also provides a perfect hiding spot for pest animals like rabbits and foxes.

Landholders in priority areas will receive a winter weed control flyer in the mail, encouraging them to carry out control activities on their properties.

Removing African boxthorn helps protect your land, improves productivity, and reduces the chance of spread to neighbouring properties and nearby patches of native vegetation.

“Control is most effective while the plant is actively growing,” Casey said.

“Foliar spraying, cut-and-swabbing herbicide to freshly cut stumps, or mechanical removal using machinery can all be effective. The key is full coverage of all the plant when foliar spraying and follow-up. This plant is stubborn and often needs a second treatment the following season.”

African boxthorn is a declared weed under the Landscape South Australia Act 2019, meaning landholders are responsible for its control.

For advice on identification and control options, landholders are encouraged to contact their local Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board office at Murray Bridge: 8532 9100.

This project is supported by the Murraylands and Riverland Landscape Board through funding from the landscape levies.